Gabriele Hilberg, Ph.D., psychologist

“This book described a young woman’s search for her own identity and self-worth. Through circumstance that are no fault of her own, Ashellia is finding herself to be harshly judged, disrespected, and cast aside while her stepmother and her two daughters live a good life at her expense. Over several years, she starts believing her stepmother’s demeaning judgments of her and begins to doubt her own value facing a seemingly hopeless future. When she meets the new prince, he recognizes her kindness, quick mind, and fierce full spirit as she is determined to fight back the wrong that has been done to her. His ability to look deep into her soul helps her remember who she truly is in her heart. Over time, she finds ways to help her stepsisters to see their inner beauty beyond their own judgments of their short comings.

As Ellia’s heart opens, she recognizes the suffering in others that have hardened them in life. She discovers her true love for the prince, which he returns as he chooses her to be his clear-minded and respected partner in serving their kingdom. This book makes you want to read it without stopping. The characters are comprehensive and well developed and mirror the identity search of young people (ages 13-16). The message is loud and clear: other people’s judgments can only hurt you IF you silently agree to be judged that way. Ellia’s story invites you to trust yourself and to surround yourself with friends who see the best in you. This story asks the question “Who am I, really?” and as you follow the story line of the characters discovering more about themselves - you might begin to wonder about your own hidden strengths.”